Mt. Cuba was founded in 1935 and comprises beautiful formal gardens and preserved woodlands. The Center’s mission is to inspire appreciation for the value of native plants of the eastern piedmont region through conservation and education. The Master Plan for Mt. Cuba envisions sympathetic transitions for the historic buildings, gardens and 1,000 acres of natural lands which were formerly private and only recently opened to the public. The conservation approach is founded on an understanding of native plants and the habitats that sustain them.

Miriam Kelly worked as part of Beyer Blinder Belle’s team together with Landscape Architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz, to developed design solutions that will enhance the experience of Mt. Cuba’s gardens while preserving their essential character. Goals of the Master Plan include a controlled integration of the site’s natural areas; refinement of vehicular and pedestrian circulation; improved accommodation of guest needs; expanded program; greater organizational efficiency; upgraded stormwater management; expanded ecosystem services; and a commitment to renewable forms of energy. Strategies to attract and manage visitors prioritize education and horticultural excellence. Historic buildings are re-purposed, integrating renewable energy and sustainable on-site waste and water management.